INSTRUCTOR: Raymond T O’Donnell is a parishioner of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Portage, MI and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6980. He has taught Scripture to both children and adults since the 1970’s. Ray recently completed teaching a 1 ½ year-long Bible Study at Saint Catherine’s and, at the request of Jackie Marshall , has taught RCIA classes entitled "What Catholics Believe" at St. Mary Church for the past six years. Ray is also a graduate of the two-year study Kalamazoo Diocesan Discipleship Formation Program (2008).

Diocesan Women’s Retreat: Intended for any adult woman, this retreat is meant to provide intentional time for you to reconnect with the Lord Jesus Christ and to encounter other women from around the Diocese who desire to grow in their faith.

Our parish ministry will contribute to our local food pantry "Eleanor's Pantry" in Paw Paw; providing families with emergency food supplies once a month. We are collecting non-perishable food items, personal care and cleaning items, and cash contributions on the second Sunday of each month. Volunteers needed.

The Kristopher Club will be holding a Disaster Relief Benefit Spaghetti Dinner at St. Mary Knights of Columbus Hall (32373 Red Arrow Highway) from 5:00-7:00pm on Friday, October 19th. The dinner is no charge, but a free will offering is appreciated. All proceeds will go for Disaster Relief through the Knights of Columbus Charities. One hundred percent of the donations will go for Disaster Relief. Make checks to The Kristopher Club with Disaster Relief on the Memo Line. Donations are tax deductible.

Groups of six to eight people will be matched based on age, geography, and interests, as best as possible. Then group members arrange to get together for dinner! Each participant takes a turn hosting dinner for the group. The host provides the main dish and everyone else brings a side dish, dessert, beverages, etc. (potluck style). Each group schedules their own dinners to accommodate their calendars.

St. Mary Parish Blessing of the Backpacks: Sunday, August 19 at the 11 am Mass. All children and teens, college students, military students, teachers, school employees, and families are encouraged to attend and receive a special blessing as they prepare to head back to the classrooms for fall. Refreshments will be served after mass in the all-purpose room.